Franschhoek farm on the market

Friday, 05 March 2010 00:00

Klein Genot wine estate and lifestyle farm is for sale for R80 million.

Over the last five years I have been a frequent visitor to Klein Genot farm, tucked away on a quiet road close to the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek. I was saddened when I saw a full-page advertisement that the farm is on the market for R80 million. It is advertised as being “exclusively marketed by Seeff Franschhoek”.

Saddened because I was always struck by owner Angie Diamond’s passion and love for the farm which showed in the attention to detail, but in a phone interview last week, she said that “up until now I never realised what I was biting off. I have worked blood, sweat and tears”.

The winner of numerous awards, including the 2008 Conde Nast hotel award, this feng-shui oriented farm has grown from small beginnings as a seven-room luxury guest house to boast a state-of-the-art winery and restaurant, and Mrs Diamond says that from a staff of 10, there are now more than 30 people working for her.

While the farm extends to 25 hectares, 17 are planted over to vines and well-known wine maker/ consultant Mark Carmichael- Green is employed as cellar master.

The farm is being marketed as a going concern with the winery producing 144 000 bottles of wine, while the restaurant has the capacity to seat 200 people. Mrs Diamond says she is “just going to take it easy now. “It has become so stressful for me as I am so involved in all aspects of running the concern.” She says while there has been some interest, As yet there have been no offers.

Written by Surina du Toit
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